...the crisis-hit countries of the developed world will see some economic growth. But political risk and unemployment will continue to frustrate the recovery. George Mitton examines what strategists in the funds world expect for the coming year.

Front office outsourcing and a growth in third-party clients are some of the landmarks of Pioneer Investments' unfolding five-year growth plan. Nick Fitzpatrick talks to Sandro Pierri, chief executive of the Unicredit-owned asset manager.

Pascal Duval, Russell Investments' Emea chief executive, is ringing the changes for performance fees, he tells Nick Fitzpatrick. The head of the multi-manager says fees are flawed, but good managers will understand.

The prospect of rising interest rates or yields is the biggest challenge to bond funds right now. A rising rate environment may benefit the absolute return sector, but also test it, writes Nick Fitzpatrick.

Event-driven Ucits hedge fund strategies have emerged as a favourite over the past year as investors warm to illiquid strategies. Stefanie Eschenbacher looks at developments in the alternative Ucits sector.

The investment advice industry in the US is growing. It has, so far, avoided a regulatory probe into fees. But the lack of clarity surrounding fees, which sparked a review in the UK, is significant, finds Nick Fitzpatrick.

Investors seeking high alpha should look to concentrated strategies, according to Andrew Arbuthnott, head of large cap European equity at Pioneer Investments and lead manager of Pioneer Funds Top European Players.

Alternative assets are set to rise but fragmentation is still a problem for the AIFMD, which is soon due for its second iteration. Managers need to rely on service providers more than ever, says Anja Grenner of Intertrust.

As China continues to open its financial sector to foreign investors and embed itself ever deeper into the global economy, now is the time to handpick the stocks and investment targets that foreign investors crave, says Jun Li, chief investment officer of Sagard China.

Roundtables & Panels

Jersey’s ability to innovate, its potential role as a post-Brexit bridge between the UK and the EU, and a significant increase in alternative assets were among the topics discussed by our panel. Chaired by Romil Patel in St Helier.

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Brexit debate

The Leaver, the Remainer

Watch the debate between the pro-Brexit Roger Bootle and pro-Remain Gina Miller which took place at the SGG Thought Leadership Series event in January. Also watch the panel that followed on the distribution of UK funds into the EU and much more!